A decade of entrepreneurship education in South Africa

Abstract

To realise the ideal of a better life for all South Africans, the entrepreneurial energies of all our people (including children) should be harnessed to ensure that the country's full potential for economic growth is unleashed. This article describes some initiatives taken by roleplayers in both the private sector and the educational sector to engage in entrepreneurship education in South Africa over the past 10 years. Special emphasis is placed on a research project in Gauteng schools on the implementation of a pilot core syllabus for entrepreneurship and economic education for pupils in the intermediate school phase. This programme entailed the training of teachers, and the modification of the pilot syllabus. The perceptions of pupils who have recently been exposed to entrepreneurship education in Curriculum 2005 are also offered.